In the best year for the freight transportation industry since the Great Recession, logistics managers chalk up efficiencies that drive further U.S. economic growth. However, capacity issues persist, causing shippers to worry about rate hikes as carriers continue to be meticulous in their partnerships.

Does your organization struggle with the integration of information between your internal systems, processes and partner portals? You're not alone! Kapow Software alongside EFT has surveyed over 200 organizations regarding the importance of information access, visibility and discusses some of the major goals for supply chain and logistics organizations.

During this webcast we'll explore how supply chain execution convergence (SCEC) helps break down the barriers resulting from disparate, fragmented technology solutions allowing you to more effectively serve customers, adapt to changing business cycles, and save both money and resources.

Dematic, a leading global supplier of integrated material handling solutions and services, announces it has signed an agreement in principle to purchase HK Systems, a North American automated material handling and software solutions provider. The transaction is expected to close sometime in the third quarter of 2010.

The combined companies would generate about $1.2 billion, based on the 2009 revenues both companies reported to us for our annual look at the Top 20 Systems Suppliers, published in May. Dematic was the number 3 provider worldwide with $1 billion. The combined companies would still rank below Daifuku, which reported about $1.76 billion.

Roar Isaksen, president and CEO of Dematic Group, sent out an e-mail yesterday announcing the agreement. “We are very excited about this significant development,” he wrote. “The opportunity to bring these companies together is extremely positive. Combining two successful companies like Dematic and HK Systems means we will be able to achieve extraordinary business results for our customers and our employees.”

Isaksen continued that the merger will leverage the complementary technical strengths of both companies and bring together two players with strong engineering talent, a common vision and a common business strategy of delivering logistics solutions with a strong return on investment.

About the Author

Bob TrebilcockEditor at Large

Bob Trebilcock, executive editor, has covered materials handling, technology and supply chain topics for Modern Materials Handling since 1984. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Trebilcock lives in Keene, NH. He can be reached at 603-357-0484 and .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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